The first mower is a little 324 (I think) tractor style 48" deck. It would take me a week to mow the place (we have fields). My dad took pity & got a residential zero-turn Z535M, also a 48" deck. You are correct - if you ever get one, you won't go back to the other; however, the zeros are SO much faster, you'd cut your mowing time in half, if not close to it. Every time we went to JD & they asked me how much I was cutting with the residential zero & I told them 10 acres, they would tell me "you need a commercial mower". Dad bought a commercial model Z920M ZTrak summer before last - it is much larger (60" deck) & boy, it rides SO smooth compared to the other two & of course, it is a dream to steer. I have 3 issues - gas tank opening is a bit high (I have to use a step ladder) & the hole is very small - had to get a funnel with a very narrow tube to fit down in there. The back tires are so wide, when I do a zero turn, they will leave a bald patch, especially if the ground is soft from a rain. Other than that, I am glad we got the bigger mower. If I start early, I can actually do the place in a day, staying on the mower all day except for lunch & bathroom breaks. I usually do it in a day and a half. BTW - we sold the Z535 to a relative - they love it.
The "stable" from left to right: Little Buddy, Zero (the 'racehorse' - very fast!) & Clyde (the work horse like a Clydesdale).
I’ve got a Deere 345 which I bought thinking it was the Lexus of mowers. It’s more like the BMW of mowers, breaks down frequently and the parts are priced like they’re gold plated.
My neighbor got a Ferris ZTR which has 4 wheel coil-over suspension and it rides beautifully. I think that’s my next one.
Wowswers. If you are mowing 10 acres, you are above my pay grade for advice. It does look like some nice, clear sailing there, though, which is my issue. I have so many obstacles (steep banks, trees, buildings, grain augers and bins, culverts, etc., etc.) that I need to use a push, too, and endless time with a string trimmer. I do the trim first, so I can make hay once I get on the rider.
Your equipment 'stable' is impressive. I need to either fish or cut bait: spring for zero(s) or get someone with big guns to help out. Either way, it is going to be costly. Some sections here need to be done twice a week because they get high nitrogen run-off from the cattle pasture up the hill, even though there are no more cattle - but that is another story....
Good luck with your leaves. I still have lots to fall and be cleared, but they're all under snow, as of last night, so I can ignore them for the time being.